One-tank trip: Albany

Attraction: The New York State Capitol's East Gallery exhibit titled, "From Slavery to Citizenship: The African American Experience in New York 1817-1872." In 1817, New York passed a law to enact the gradual emancipation of slaves living in the state. During the intervening years, the national abolition movement was born, the Civil War was fought and many black leaders in New York were active in these and other struggles. Artifacts featured include New York's 1872 Electoral College meeting signed by Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, publisher and statesman who spent 25 of his most productive years in Rochester.

Hours: Free walk-in tours of the Capitol are offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. No reservations are required. .

Directions: Head east on the New York state Thruway (I-90) to Albany (Exit 24). Continue east on I-90, then south on I-787 to the Empire State Plaza exit (Madison Avenue, Route 20). Proceed on Route 20 to the plaza. The Capitol sits atop Albany's State Street hill, next to the plaza.